4TH-9TH JAN 2021 WEEKDAYS MASS REFLECTION

 04 – 09 JANUARY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

04 JANUARY 2021, 1 Jn 3. 22 - 4. 6; Mt 4. 12-17, 23-25

 

Focus: The real test of fidelity is to follow the commandment of God, and the real commandment is to believe him and follow what he commands, and that concretely in loving others

 

We are just after the Epiphany, the celebration of God’s revelation or manifestation. The visit of the three magi symbolically reveals God's salvation and glory is open to all, cutting across the boundaries. Jesus begins this mission of manifestation in word and deed, in preaching and healing. He preaches announcing the coming of the Kingdom and inviting to repent. "Repent and believe in the gospel, for the kingdom of God is near". This was the first proclamation of Jesus. This nearness of the kingdom is seen in Jesus' ministry of preaching and healing. Jesus ceaselessly preaches the good news of love and comfort of God, and tirelessly heals the sick of various sorts. Thus he confirms this nearness of the Kingdom and the sign of conversion in his healing ministry. From our part, we need to constantly manifest our belonging to God and His kingdom, through our listening, our contrast to the world, our repenting, our believing and our getting healed. To receive and experience such a vicinity of God's kingdom through God's Word and action, one must repent and believe. True repentance is when one deeply feels anguished at his sinfulness and turns away from it. True believing is to turn to God, to trust Him and be loyal to Him. This calls us to belong to God, to live as people of God and not of the world; to resist and reject the spirit of antichrist; to abide in him; to live and foster the truth; to keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

 

Direction: Repentance is the fundamental requisite of a true follower of Christ. This is manifested and authenticated in a twofold mission: to listen to God's word and to transmit the same; to be healed by the Lord and to heal others through devotion and benevolence

 

05 JANUARY 2021, 1 Jn 4. 7-10; Mk 6. 34-44

 

Focus: It is only Jesus that can give the real, deep and lasting satisfaction, because only his presence and action quench the deeper hunger and thirst, the thirst for fullness and fulfilment.

 

Jesus feeds the five thousand. It is not a mere charity action, done often by many a politician or a rich man or an activist as a duty or for publicity. It is an act moved out of genuine compassion and care. He cares for the hungry, he is attentive to their needs and difficulty. It is not merely a material satisfaction but is symbolic of the deep spiritual satisfaction. Only Jesus can satiate our deeper yearnings and needs. Only he can quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger. One who comes to him, one who spends time with him and for him, one who listens to him, one who gives priority to Jesus more than all other concerns, will never go hungry and dissatisfied. They will be filled to the full.

Further, this miracle of multiplication of loaves and fish is also a happy blend of human situation of little, deficiency and dissatisfaction, and the divine intervention of might, sufficiency and satisfaction. A miracle is nothing but an encounter between the divine abundance and human littleness, and miracles continue to happen.

When Grace and human effort combine together, situations will change and miracles will happen. Five loaves and two fish - very little to feed five thousand; but in God's hands, touched and blessed by God, the little gets transformed and multiplied.

Scarcity turns into abundance, deficiency into sufficiency, dissatisfaction into satisfaction, anxiety into serenity, and problem into celebration. This is truly the touch of the divine and grace.

In God's sight, nothing is little or insignificant. Everything counts. He wants to work with our little, and work on what is available. True faith does not exclude our human effort, i.e. not doing our part. It is well said, there is no use of leaving a candle to a blowing breeze and praying God to protect it from being blown off.

Further, a note on "collecting what is left over": Yes, nothing of Grace is wasted. It is a check against "wasting" our God-given resources or energies or talents or gifts, when they are abundant. Abundance can easily lead one to complacence and extravagance, arrogance and unaccountability. Everything is accountable. Basketfuls cannot neglect scraps!

Direction: Loving is not merely a matter of heart, and knowing is not merely a matter of mind. But both lead to the concrete action of benevolence. 

 

06 JANUARY 2021, 1 Jn 4. 11-18; Mk 6. 45-52

 

Focus: Problems never leave us, suffering never disappears completely, but there is no need of crushing our hope in God

 

Fear often blinds our vision not to recognize the presence of the Lord. How rightly John in his epistle remarks that there is no fear in love because perfect love drives out fear! Surely in our life often like the disciples in the gospel, we too are tossed about strong storms and fear grips us. We feel that we are sinking and perishing. What is more worrisome is that the Lord seems away and even his presence is mistaken to be that of a ghost. Sight gets blurred as fear grips and faith wavers. It is because our love for the Lord is not perfect. It is so weak and fragile, easy to be shaken and be wavering. What to do and how to counter such a situation? The solution is not to avoid all the storms and disturbances, because that is never possible since life will never be fully free from all the troubles. Rather what is better is to deepen and perfect our love for the Lord, so that it dispels all our fear. If we love him deeply, we will trust unshakably that the Lord will never abandon us. He would not allow us to sink. He will surely come to our rescue.

Therefore, enhance the sense of focus on the Lord. Love God and abide in intimacy with Him. Often, like disciples, one loses focus on the Lord, frightened and discouraged by the life- difficulties. The Lord never leaves us but comes to our rescue. He constantly assures us, "Do not be afraid. I am with you!". Hear constantly the assuring voice of the Lord, "Fear not, I am with you!"

 

Direction: Life is never free from storms and there is every possibility to be frightened. But never worry. The Lord is ever with us to come to us and to subside our fears and storms

 

07 JANUARY 2021, 1 Jn 4. 19- 5. 4; Lk 4. 14-22

 

Focus: Love is the only and greatest reason for all devotion and charity and love alone is the remedy for all the maladies in the society

 

Jesus declares his mission manifesto in the gospel. He makes clear the essential purpose and the tenets of his mission. He never loses sight of this focus and the direction of this mission. The components of this mission are very clear. The recipients or the target group of this mission are the poor, the captives, the oppressed, and the blind. The poor receive good news, the captives receive liberty, the oppressed gain freedom and the blind receive sight. Thus truly it is time acceptable to the Lord. All this mission is accomplished by the power of the Spirit, by being anointed by him. And this in turn is founded on Love. Obedience to the will of the Father for the salvation of humanity, and dedication to that mission of salvation in charity become the motivating and driving forces.

Now, two aspects of the message for us: one, we are the recipients; if so, how much in poor spirit we receive the good news? How much do we allow ourselves to be liberated from our captivity? How much we are freed from the oppression of sin? How much do we receive the sight from the Lord? The second aspect is, as givers and promoters: how much good news do we give to the poor? How much do we release the captives and the oppressed? How much do we give sight to the blind?

 

Direction: True mission is in fact a mission of love. It comprises love for God in communion and love for the other in compassion, and moves on the power of the Spirit

 

08 JANUARY 2021, 1 Jn 5. 5-13; Lk 5. 12-16

 

Focus: One who believes in God, will overcome the world, will bear testimony to God and will obtain eternal life

 

Being sick is understandable. This can happen in anyone's life. But what is deplorable is that one has no desire to come out of it. God's grace is always abundant and available to heal us. But its effect is concrete only when there is a proper disposition, reception and cooperation from the human side. Jesus heals a leper in the gospel. Appreciable is the leper’s humility. This humility realizes his sick situation. It realizes his need for healing. It nurtures a deep desire for healing. This confides in Jesus' power to heal, and also respects Jesus' freedom and kindness to heal. Thus the leper readily gets healed and happily gets reintegrated into his family and into the society. There is no wonder that Jesus appreciates such a humble and transparent disposition, willingly heals the leper and restores him his lost dignity. The leper stands as an example and inspiration for all of us.

How sad it is that many are leprous psychologically, morally and spiritually! Many are infected and have not diagnosed it. They have neither the interest nor the effort to get rid of it. Consequently, they do not approach the Lord for his healing touch.

 

Direction: In life, as humans we are, at times, we may suffer from the sickness of sin and evil. But what is more important is that in humility and faith, we get healed by the Lord and live a renewed life.

 

09 JANUARY 2021, 1 Jn 5. 14-21; Jn 3. 22-30

 

Focus: Those who are born of God, who are of God, will not commit sin. Further what they ask of God according to His holy will, will receive it

 

The disciples of John the Baptist act in a typical human way: they feel jealous and threatened at the rising popularity of Jesus; they feel worried that their own master may lose his following. They turn to their master. John the Baptist corrects their thinking and clarifies once again about himself and Jesus. In all humility, he is prepared to recede to the background as Jesus steps on to the centre stage. In all magnanimity, he reiterates his subsidiary role as the friend of the bridegroom and not the bridegroom. Jesus is the real bridegroom, and his duty as his friend is to rejoice in his presence and make sure that the focus is directed on to him. John the Baptist is an imitable example for us to emulate. He is not carried away by jealousy at the rising popularity of Jesus. He is not agitated and driven by ego-projection or ego-promotion. He is so authentic to be deeply conscious of his true identity as the precursor of the awaited Messiah who prepares the way for him. He is so humble to allow himself to decrease and promote Jesus to increase.

How often many present disciples can be bubbling and churning with jealousy! They feel so disturbed at the rising of others. The whole reason is the excessive tendency of self-seeking which falls short in humility and magnanimity.

 

Direction: We are only the servants and disciples and never the lords and the masters. Let us not dethrone God Himself to steal the show!

 

 

BAPTISM OF THE LORD. 10TH JAN 2021

 THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD, 10 january 2021

1. The baptism of the Lord reminds us of our own baptism

Let us reflect on the purpose and meaning of the baptism of the Lord, and in this light, reflect, re-know and renew the value of our baptism.

2. The Lord is baptized.

First of all, does He need baptism?

Certainly No. Because, for the Jews, baptism indicates that one recognizes and accepts one's sin, that one repents and asks for mercy to God, and that God forgives and purifies all sins

3. However, Jesus is the Son of God and without sin. Therefore no need for forgiveness and cleaning

4. Still why?

The baptism of Jesus has a purpose and a deeper reason. It is in accord with the divine plan of salvation

Yes. Even if sinless, Jesus becomes one of us, the sinful, in need of being saved,

Jesus, even if purely clean, becomes one of us, the impure ones, in need of being clean,

Jesus, even if fully intact, becomes one of us, the broken ones, in the need to be healed,

Jesus, even if totally one with the Father, becomes one of us, the alienated and separated from God, in need of being reconciled and reunited,

Jesus, even if in complete pleasure with God, becomes one of us, the displeasing to God, in need of being pleased.

5. Thus Jesus becomes the Lamb of God who bears our sins upon himself, that is in our place, and supports our burdens because of us.

Thus He lifts us from our burdens, frees us from our misery and our weaknesses, and strengthens us with the power and glory of God

6. Therefore the baptism of Jesus is not just a ritual or a traditional ceremony

It points towards our vocation, our consecration, and our salvation

In his baptism, Jesus officially and consciously begins the divine plan of salvation

At the point of his baptism, Jesus consecrates himself and dedicates himself to the mission of freeing us from the chains of evil, and of beautifying ourselves with the kingdom of grace.

It is for this reason, Jesus is anointed by the Spirit, and attested by the Father himself

7. This is the meaning and the goal of the baptism of Jesus, and from this also our baptism derives its value and direction

Our baptism manifests that we belong to God, and not to Satan,

that we are generated by God himself as his children,

that we are sealed like his peoples chosen by the seal of baptism,

that we become members of one and the same divine family as sisters and brothers,

that we share the same life as Christ,

that we are anointed by the power and holiness of the Holy Spirit,

that we are consecrated to being loyal and dedicated to God alone

8. Thus, every baptized person must experience, nurture, radiate and increase

Grace and not sin, virtue and not vice, the good and not the evil, holiness not impurity, the divine power and not human frailty, the light and not the darkness, the consecration and not the execration, unity not disunity, communion with God and not separation from God, the closeness with God and not the distance, abandonment to God and not self-glory, reconciliation not retaliation, humility not arrogance, pleasure to God and not displeasing God, to bear witness to love for the values of Christ and not to scandalize, to resemble Christ, and do not neglect.

9. Whether this is happening? How much are we true and faithful to our baptismal dedication?

Feast of Epiphany

03 JANUARY 2021, SUNDAY, EPIPHANY

1. Epiphany means “manifestation”. The Festivity of Epiphany, also popularly known as the Feast of three Kings (Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar), celebrates the revelation of God in His Son as human in Jesus Christ. The six Sundays which follow Epiphany are known as the time of manifestation.

God reveals His Son already to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. But that manifestation is not limited only to them, or only to those moments or confined only to Bethlehem. Thus God born in a manger, manifests Himself to the three kings or wise men from far.

2. God who is beyond all space and time, God whom no space or time can confine or contain, Himself traversed from heaven to earth, not for a tiny place or for a short moment. 

His grace and salvation is universal, for all, for all times. Salvation embraces all and always. While Incarnation is the first instance of divine manifestation, the visitation of the three kings becomes the second instance of divine manifestation.

3. This is the first point to understand and believe on the day of Epiphany: God’s grace is unconditioned. It has no boundaries or discriminations. His grace is open and manifested to all. How unfortunate it is that some try to put blocks or restrictions even to God’s grace and salvation! What an irony it is, that we who are limited, try to limit the limitless grace of God! How often many try to choke, suffocate and stifle God’s grace, owing to money, power, position, status and prestige!

4. As God manifests His plan of salvation, in His Son, He awaits a response from the human part. The three kings by their visit, respond to this manifestation. This visit as response is marked by some essential features:

1) They earnestly obtain knowledge about him - his birth, his location, his nature, through all available sources, like science and scriptures

2) They yearn profoundly to see him directly

3) They set out on an engaging journey in search of him

4) They trust and reply on help from above, in the form of a star

5) They allow themselves to be guided by the star

6) They travel far and difficult

7) They reach the Saviour

8) They humble themselves before the mighty God, in surrender and adoration

9) They offer gifts, symbolic of his nature – Gold, representing Jesus’ royal standing (royalty), Frankincense, his divine birth (divinity), and Myrrh, his mortality (humanity)

5. Today, for us, who celebrate this Feast, the message and the invitation is too clear:

First of all, be convinced of the all-embrace of God’s grace. Never put boundaries to grace, neither for self nor for others. “The wind blows where it wills”. God wants to grace to all. And everyone needs God’s grace and salvation. Grace cannot be discriminated against or manipulated, on the basis of human divisions or calculations or prejudices. We have to go beyond the barriers of space and time, to meet the Lord who is beyond space and time. We have to enlarge our mental horizons to receive the salvation which is for all.

6. Then, follow the example of the three kings, and travel their same route of responding to God’s epiphany and encountering Him. Some simple reflection and questions:

1) How much do we try to know about Him, gaining more knowledge and familiarity, through science and scripture, through many sources that are readily available at our disposal? How little is the interest and knowledge of God, in contrast to the immense interest and knowledge of the secular world?

2) How shallow and thin-layered is our desire and longing to see Him directly and personally? Often it is due to lack of motivation that we fail to see and experience Him. As long as we are bound by indifference and tepidity, we cannot go beyond our self-bounds to the unbounded Lord who abounds in love and mercy.

3) Do we set out constantly in search of Him to find Him? Are we consistent and persistent in our efforts to discover His will, His plans, in action for our good?

4) Are we too confident, over-reliant and self-complacent, on account of our own human capacities and worldly resources, that we neglect to rely on the help and “signs from above” – the star?

5) Are we humble and docile enough to allow ourselves to be guided by God’s signs and ways?

6) How is our journey of faith and charity? Are we ready, prepared and persevering to continue our travel, though far and difficult?

7) How many occasions and experiences can we really count, to acclaim sincerely that we reached the Saviour, that we are in his presence, that we encounter him?

8) How often our pride and arrogance makes us “stiff and erect” that we are not able to bend before the Lord in surrender and adoration? A true adoration is not so much a bowed head, but a bent heart, not a lowered body, but a humble spirit.

9) What are our gifts to the Lord? – Is it the Gold of our loyalty to his royalty? Is it the Frankincense of our surrender to his divinity? Is it the Myrrh of our amiability before his ineffable affability of his humanity?

 

28th December to 2nd January

 

28 DECEMBER 2020 – 02 JANUARY 2021, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

28 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 1. 5 – 2. 2; MATTHEW 2. 13-18, HOLY INNOCENTS

 

Focus: Love gives life to others, while hatred destroys life. We are constantly to make choice between life and death, between good and evil, between construction and destruction

 

The small children below two years, become the victims of the fury of Herod, in his attempt to kill the child Jesus. We get a better understanding of Herod in the light of the first reading from 1 John. He has no light of God in him, but darkness. He does not walk in the light. Therefore, he is not in fellowship with others, and has no human concern for others, and not even for the little children. And what an irony and contrast: Jesus sheds his own blood, in order to purify us from our sins. But Herod sheds the blood of the innocent children, accumulating sin for himself. Now, one may argue why God allows such a tragedy? What is their fault? But this is not the main issue and it is not so necessary also. What is important to note is, God's plans go ahead in spite of the human cruelty and obstacles. No human powers or evil forces can deter God's ways, even though they may create some temporary blocks, and may appear to dominate God and good. In the process of accomplishing a higher good and God’s holy will, some may need to pay the price and suffer. This is what is seen in the case of the holy innocents. They die in the place of child Jesus. They die on behalf of them. Apparently these innocent children were the helpless victims, brutally murdered. But they were the "saviours" of the Saviour. In fact, they were not even aware of what was happening. This also shows another truth of God’s working. Everyone, even in innocence and silence can help the plan of God, and can bear witness to the Lord. Though They are done away from the earth, from mortal life. But they obtain heaven and eternal life. Yet again, there is a simple contrast between Herod and the small children: Herod, in full knowledge kills the children, to kill Jesus; but the small children, even without any knowledge, die so as to save Jesus.

 

Direction: It is meritorious to suffer something for God, even in silence and innocence. To die for Jesus, even if it be forced, is certainly great

 

29 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 2. 3-11; LUKE 2. 22-35

Focus: Jesus is presented in the temple, symbolising his own presentation, his self-offering for the salvation of humanity.

We have in today’s gospel passage the purification ceremony of child Jesus in the temple, as per the Law. He undergoes the purification ceremony, signifying our own purification from sin. As a first born male, he is consecrated to God, again indicating his total consecration to God’s will for our sanctification. Now how to merit the fruits of this purification or presentation or consecration? See Simeon and follow his example. In the whole episode, Simeon remains as a key figure. Both the first reading and the gospel depict his person: he is in the light because he loves his brothers and sisters, and awaits their salvation. He knows God and he is true because he fulfils God’s commands. The Holy Spirit was in him. He was upright and devout. That is why he is granted the unique grace of encountering the incarnate Saviour. Indeed, what a grace and privilege it is: to see the Light of the nations, to see the light of salvation, to hold the Saviour himself in his hands. Simeon today teaches all of us that the only way to see the light of salvation is to constantly dispel the shades of our darkness. The more we know Jesus and follow him, the more we allow him to illuminate us and to touch us, the more we love him and live uprightly and devoutly, the more we too will be blessed like Simeon.

Direction: In life, ultimately what counts is not the intelligence or competence or worldly resources, but only a life of truthfulness and faithfulness  

30 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 2. 12-17; LUKE 2. 36-40

 

Focus: A true Christian life is one, centred around God, and in difference to the world.

 

CHRIST came into the world, to revive the life that is infected by sin. But it will be effective only if we are fully open and responsive. We need to guard ourselves against the evil forces and standards of the world. We need to grow in the knowledge and experience of God. We need to cultivate the right values. Our age and stage may be different, as John in the first reading addresses children, the young and the fathers. The duties and the capacities of each section may be different. But our grace is the same, our salvation is the same, and our faith demands are also the same. All without exception are called not to love the world and to be trapped by its snares. This implies that we should guard against the craving of the flesh, the greed of the senses and the arrogance to dominate and to feel superior. Instead, we need to love the Father, consistently strive to do His will, allow the word of God to live in us, and overcome evil. Further, like Anna, in the gospel, we need to focus our attention always on God and centre our daily life around the temple. Serving God in personal presence, in prayer, in spiritual activities, and transmitting God's love and mercy to others is the fitting way to continue the spirit of Christmas.

 

Direction: We belong to God and so we shall not long for what belongs to the world. The more we fall in love with the world, the more we will be fallen

 

31 DECEMBER 2020, 1 JOHN 2. 18-21; JOHN 1. 1-18

 

Focus: God came down to us, so that we can go up to him. Therefore, we can go up only when we raise ourselves up from being too much earth-bound

 

As we are on the last day of the year, quite fittingly we have the Prologue of St John which summarises the whole plan and action of salvation, the interplay between God and the humans, and the response, and the part that is to be played by us. As we wind up the year, we shall sum up gratefully all the mercies of God, especially the greatest mercy of his incarnation. We remind ourselves of the divinity of Jesus and his intimacy with the Father. We thank God for loving us so much and becoming one of us, as the light that dispels our darkness. We are expected to recognise and accept this Light and bear witness to the Light as John the Baptist. But unfortunately we fail to receive the Light and thus fail to lit up our lives. This is the biggest danger, as John in his first epistle cautions us. This is the danger of falling away from Christ. It is to break the bond of belonging to God and to one another. It is to become an antichrist. The end of this outgoing year should well up within us primarily two greatest feelings. One is, immense gratitude for all the numberless blessings. True it is that the situations that surround us, seem very dark, worrisome and discouraging. A large gloom is painted over our faces because of the frightening pandemic. But that is no reason to lose sight of the enormous mercy of God and the positive in life. The second sentiment should be that of repentance. Let us repent for the lost chances of grace, of virtue, of charity. Thus, we can be better prepared to step into the new year.

 

Direction: Let us not forfeit the greatest grace of becoming God's children by our negligence and mediocrity.

 

01 JANUARY 2021, NEW YEAR, MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD

 

Focus: We begin the new year, filled with gratitude and geared by hope and vigour. Newness is not the absence and total vanishing of all the old problems, but is a new way of looking at them, and approaching them

 

Another year, 2021. A new year, full of aspirations and visions. Lots of plans and programs on the slate. Certainly we hope for the better and we must. The reason for our hope and confidence is God. As we venerate Mary as the Mother of God and celebrate her divine maternity, as we celebrate the naming of Jesus, we entrust ourselves to them. We are assured of the maternal affection and guidance of Mary, and the security and the power of Jesus. With the Mother holding the responsibility for us and entrusting us to the safest and most powerful name of Jesus, we can always hope against hope. We can always do better than before. Perhaps the reality may not change much. Perhaps the same fears and problems will persist. But what can change and make a difference is our attitude, our approach and handling. Newness is all about a new heart, renewed attitude and values and approach. What is old in the biblical sense must change. That old man, that old nature, that old garb, that old leaven must cease (cf. Eph 4. 19f). Our old spirit of ingratitude, of pride, of jealousy, of selfishness, of loose tongue, of impatience, of insincerity, of crookedness, of revenge and grudge, of aggression and hurt, of greed, indifference of unconcern – only to mention a few – these must change. Therefore, naming the Lord, Motherhood of Mary, which we celebrate on these first moments of new year, clearly gives us the greatest courage and hope. In the name of the Lord, accompanied by his powerful name and power, cared and guided by the Mother’s love, we are safe, secure and serene.

 

Direction: Nothing can take away our hope as long as we are with God. The new year is the greatest assurance that God will never fail us

 

02 JANUARY 2021, 1 JOHN 2. 22-29; JOHN 1. 19-28

 

Focus: The world will always try in different ways to deceive us and to distance us from God.

 

The temptations never vanish or diminish. They are ever prevalent and try to prevail over us. They try to deceive and detract us in subtle and disguised ways. Often the temptation for ego- projection and self- glory is very strong. This is what confronted John the Baptist as well. There was a clear alluring possibility to present himself as the awaited Messiah. The people were already impressed by him and were quite disposed to accept him as the Messiah. He resists and overcomes this bait for self- glory. In all honesty and humility, he denies such presumptions. He truthfully confirms his role as the messenger and precursor who announces and prepares the way of the Lord. The same is our situation as well. Unceasingly, we are also surrounded by many deceptive forces. They discard the truth, disguise the lie as truth, mislead us into the wrong. The remedy to resist and overcome these pressures is to constantly abide in him, to be regenerated by him. This consists in cultivating a deep spirit of humility. This does not put on airs. This is not puffed up. This seeks not undue comfort and self-glory. Rather, we should strive to do right, because that is the real way of being born of God.

 

Direction: As long as we remain in God, nothing can deceive us. Being easily deceived is a clear sign that we are not truthful, and not strongly rooted in truth

 

Feast of Holy family

 

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2020

1. The immediate Sunday after the holy Christmas is the Holy Family Sunday. Is it a clear indication that the Saviour who is born on earth, must be born in every family, and must be nurtured and taken care by every family? Christ must grow day after day in every family. Christ must “live” in every family, and those greatest Christmas gifts of hope, light and joy must continue to “incarnate” in every family. Every family takes the place of the holy family, and every family can be a holy family, in so far as it embodies the same values and disseminates the same ambience.

2. Our reflection on Holy Family is simple and focused: what does the Holy Family teach the families of today? First of all, how lovely it is to think that the Holy Family perfectly represents the holistic nature of God: paternity, maternity and fraternity. Yes, God is fatherly, motherly, and brotherly, each represented by Joseph, Mary and Jesus. The love between the Father and the Spirit “generates” and “nurtures” the Son, and so also the holy love between Joseph and Mary “regenerates” and “fosters” the son Jesus.

3. Thus, the Holy Family resembles this divine nature, and represents the divine face. Accordingly, in Joseph, we see the fatherly care, guardianship and owning up responsibility for the family, for Mary and Jesus. In Mary, we see the motherly tenderness, affection, and sense of support and standing together with the husband and son. In Jesus, we see the fraternal and filial devotion, openness, trust, belongingness and loving submission.

4. Perhaps the greatest tragedy of many a family of today is, the “loss of this divine and human face”, the loss of love with God, and loss of love with the others in the family. When a family loses this “divine touch” and “human reach”, then there is no beauty, joy and peace. In our times, the life of many families is a story of tension, dissatisfaction and unhappiness, because of the continuous replay of irresponsibility and strife. Why a family becomes a place to avoid or escape from, instead of a refuge to turn to? Why a family becomes a misery, instead of a beauty? Why family life becomes a burden, instead of a lightening experience? It is not enough to glorify the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. But it is more important to verify and rectify the quality of each family in the light of the Holy Family.

5. A husband’s duty is not over, by just earning some money, and ensuring the material wellbeing. A wife’s duty is not over, by just managing the house chores or partnering in the financial concerns. What matters most is, how much they are loving companion and partners, in mutual love, respect, care and forbearance? It is not a wonder that in spite of all increase in education and progress, the bonding between husband and wife is very much “thinning”, with no real vibrations of communication and communion.

6. A parent’s duty is not just over, by giving the children some money, a good dress, a good education, a good job and a comfortable life. Much more than that, how many parents give their children sane values of life, give God, faith and kindness? How many parents teach and make their children to be good human beings? Those parents who are responsible for their children to become irresponsible, without devotion and morals, are the biggest “failed parents”.

7. A son’s or daughter’s duty is not over, by just getting well-educated and well-settled in life. How sad it is that a good number of children turn so ungrateful, disrespectful and even harmful towards their parents! A son or daughter who becomes the cause of sorrow of the parents, is a disgrace before God, even if is rated high before the world. Such children are a great “misery” and “failure”, even if they ride on glory and success.

8. An “about-turn” is then the need of the day: Turn to God, and turn to each other. Return to God’s heart, with faith; Return into each other’s heart, with love! See your partner’s face and heart. See your children’s face and heart. See your parents’ face and heart. Do it daily. Then surely, your face and heart, and the whole face of life and family, will change!

4th week of advent

21 – 26 DECEMBER 2020, HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS

 

21 DECEMBER 2020, SONG 2. 8-14; LUKE 1. 39- 45

 

Focus: True faith receives and enshrines Jesus within. And one who carries Jesus, certainly spreads Holy Spirit and joy

 

At the annunciation, Mary in all docility consents to be the Mother of the Incarnate Saviour. In deep faith and surrender, she receives and enshrines Jesus within her. She is filled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit moves her to Elizabeth in charity. Yes, if faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit, charity will be the real fruit of faith. Because, true faith never keeps one sterile and stagnant. It will make one productive in a vibrant journey of charity.

The scene of visitation clearly teaches us that true faith cannot simply remain  

confined to the self but flows out into charity. Mary’s faith leads her to sensitivity, magnanimity, and generosity towards Elizabeth. Mary does not fall into presumption and false dignity of her motherhood. But in humility and nobility, goes to Elizabeth who was in need! Mary perfectly fits into the figure of the beloved in the Song of songs in the first reading. God, the Supreme speaks to her, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one!”. She listens to the voice of God, the Lover. She is filled with the fragrance and radiance of love and joy. With the same, she travels across the mountains and hills, to Elizabeth. Elizabeth sees her lovely face and hears a sweet voice. In fact, this loveliness and sweetness are not only hers but much more of Jesus that she is bearing within. Consequently, she would move both the mother and the child, Elizabeth and John the Baptist, with the Spirit and with joy. This is the simplest spirituality and mission of everyone: to give the Holy Spirit and joy to others.

 

Direction: To radiate the Holy Spirit and joy is possible only when one carries Jesus within. True faith is ever contagious; it will affect and move the self with charity, and will touch and vibrate others with the Holy Spirit and joy 

 

22 DECEMBER 2020, 1 SAMUEL 1. 24-28; LUKE 1. 46-56

 

Focus: When one encounters and experiences the boundless benevolence of God, one cannot but burst into a song of gratitude and joy

 

Today’s gospel passage contains the marvellous Magnificat of Mary. It is truly an intense hymn of joy. It is a profound joy that springs from a deep-seated humility and gratitude. Mary explodes into a song of joyful thankfulness because God had looked graciously upon her lowliness and elevated her. Magnificat reveals to us so beautifully the greatness of both God and Mary at the same time. Mary is great because she sees, accepts and cooperates with God’s great plan of salvation. She is great because she humbly realises that her greatness comes from God. Her humility is her greatness. Her nobility is her glory. True greatness never forgets the roots, never forgets that all is given by God and it is not one’s own exclusive merit or credit. A greatness that rides on pride and self-glory, a greatness that fails to be humble and noble in its attitude and approach, a greatness that is not grateful and does not attribute the due credit to God and others, is a false and destructive greatness. In fact, such greatness is not greatness but only meanness. Thus, Magnificat teaches us on true greatness: it is to humbly accept God’s will, gratefully exalt His greatness and generously cooperate with the same. On the other hand, Magnificat essentially discloses the marvels of God’s greatness. God is great because He is benevolent and just. In benevolence and compassion, He is abundantly generous toward the poor and the humble. And in justice and equity, He also levels the rich and the proud. Thus, Magnificat is also an indicator of social justice and liberation. It is truly a seedbed of true greatness wrapped in the gift pack of exuberant joy.

 

Direction: The Magnificat is a great challenge against all tendencies of arrogance and self-glory on the basis of false greatness, because it teaches that the more we are great, the more we must be humble, because all greatness belongs to God

 

23 DECEMBER 2020, MALACHI 3. 1-4, 23-24; LUKE 1. 57-66

 

Focus: God never abandons those who are humble and just. He changes their misery into glory, shame into honour, weakness into power

 

The birth of John the Baptist is a clear pointer to how God manifests His compassion and power to those who are humble and just. Even in their old age, in a humanly impossible situation, God grants a son to Zachariah and Elizabeth. Yes, He never fails the trust of His faithful. He never forsakes them to their misery. He changes barrenness into fecundity, disgrace into dignity, grief into joy, helpless silence into rejoicing proclamation

The birth of John the Baptist is also a clear indication of how God is deeply concerned for our good and salvation, how He plans and implements this plan through the birth of John as the precursor of the Messiah. He is destined to prepare the way of the Lord.

God is truly passionate for us. He is clear about His purpose. He is meticulous in His planning and execution. He is relentless in His measures.

The birth of John the Baptist is also a reminder of our vocation, mission and destiny as well. God has a plan for each one of us. He has destined us for salvation and eternal bliss and communion. We are called to experience and enhance this saving grace. We ought to strive constantly to retain it and remain graced. We must also radiate the same to others, like John the Baptist. He was humble and faithful to live up to his call, and to carry out his mission.

 

Direction: Blessed are those who never give up their hope but persevere to confide in God, and submit to His holy will!

 

 24 DECEMBER 2020, 2 SAMUEL 7. 1-5, 8B-12, 14a-16; LUKE 1. 67-79

 

Focus: God wants to dwell with us, and He needs a dwelling. But this is not a man-made structure. Rather, it is the human heart and human community.

 

In true devotion and passion for God, David intends to build a magnificent temple for God. But God makes it clear that He prefers to reside not in material buildings and structures, but in the heart and community. He is a God who abides in hearts and in the believing community. He is more interested and committed to building hearts and communities. He wants to reign over hearts. This is the mind and heart of God. And one who reflects and realizes the heart of God, cannot but rejoice and praise Him. This is what happens in the case of Zachariah. God does a super miracle in the life of Zachariah and Elizabeth. He grants them a son in their ripe age. Further, He also grants that son a unique and extraordinary role in the plan of salvation. But this is not just a family favour. This is the way of God's mercy towards the whole people of Israel and the whole humanity itself. One who realizes this God's mercy in action through history, cannot but burst into a song of gratitude, wonder and joy. Zachariah's canticle is not just a pious prayer or praise of devotion. It is an extolling of God's benevolent and powerful ways of intervention in the lives of the humans.

Like Zachariah, we also must constantly extol the marvels of God. But such an exultation is not only in praise and worship, not only in some externals like activities or even structures. Rather, it should be manifested and testified in “building the heart”, one’s own heart and the heart of communities. 

 

Direction: Any favour and blessing from God is not a private affair, but is a sign and indicator of the immensity and perpetuity of His care and mercy.

 

26 DECEMBER 2020, ACTS 6. 8-10; 7. 54- 8.1; MATTHEW 10. 17-22, FEAST ST STEPHEN

 

Focus: When one experiences the love and power of God, nothing will deter him from bearing witness to Him. Love is so powerful that not even death can hold it back

 

Stephen was the first martyr as a follower of Christ. It is so interesting and inspiring. With Christmas, Christ from heaven is born on earth. With his martyrdom, Stephen is born from earth to heaven. Stephen was a man filled with the Holy Spirit. He was chosen to be one of the seven deacons and was totally dedicated to the service of the early church. What marks him is not only his personal qualities and virtue, not only his services. It is much more his deep personal experience and bonding with the Lord. He had a passionate love for the Lord. It is this which makes him unswervingly loyal to him, even to the point of death for his sake. His passion and loyalty are such that he is totally imbued with the very same spirit of Jesus. This makes him imitate Jesus in forgiving even his enemies during his dying moments. His love for the Lord fills him with wisdom and courage to face suffering and death as an honour and grace. One can vividly see a deep passion for the Lord in Stephen. But Passion for the Lord is not a matter of feeling or devotion, but much more. It is giving topmost priority to Jesus, and loving him as the greatest treasure. It is to cling to him, come what may. It is to be deeply convinced that there is nothing greater than him, not even life. It is to imitate his virtues. It is to follow him even to the extent of death. It is to bear witness to him, with unflinching zeal and courage. One who is not ready to die for Christ, cannot live for him.

 

Direction: It is not a fate of misery but a grace of glory, if only we can suffer something for God and good. Suffering for God and good is nothing detestable but honourable.